Hamas Leader Survives Israeli Attack

Published 8:00 pm, Monday, June 9, 2003

Associated Press Writer

Israel targeted a Hamas leader, Abdel Aziz Rantisi, in a missile strike Tuesday and injured him in the leg, doctors said. Two dozen people were hurt.

The missile strike jeopardized efforts to persuade militant groups, including Hamas, to halt attacks on Israelis. It also appeared to violate the spirit of a U.S.-backed peace plan, as part of which Israel promised to refrain from actions that undermine trust.

There was no immediate Israeli comment.

Hamas quickly threatened revenge. "This crime will not pass," said Mahmoud Zahar, another Hamas leader. He said there would be more attacks on Israelis.

"Israel can expect severe punishment for this crime," he said.

The attack began when three Israeli Apache helicopter gunships appeared over Gaza City before noon Tuesday, and fired at least seven missiles toward Rantisi's Jeep Pajero in a crowded thoroughfare. Rantisi's vehicle burst into flames and was quickly reduced to a scorched heap of metal.

Palestinian doctors said Rantisi was injured in the leg, and was undergoing an operation at Gaza City's Shifa Hospital. Initial reports of one man having been killed could not be confirmed. A total of 25 people were wounded, including three of Rantisi's bodyguards and Rantisi's son, said Dr. Moawiya Hassanain, director of Shifa Hospital.

The Israeli missile strike came as Egypt was making a renewed effort to persuade Hamas and other militant groups to halt attacks on Israelis. The Egyptian intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman, was to meet with Hamas leaders in Gaza on Wednesday, but it was not clear whether the talks would be held as planned.

Last week, Hamas announced that it was breaking off truce talks with Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, complaining that he has been too conciliatory to Israel, particularly in his speech at a Mideast summit last week.

At the summit, Abbas called for an end to the "armed intefadeh" and denounced violence against Israelis everywhere.

Rantisi, a leader of the Hamas political wing, is considered a hardliner in the Islamic militant group. He has been among the most vocal in opposing a halt to attacks on Israelis.

In the past, Israel has killed scores of wanted Palestinians in helicopter missile strikes. Tuesday's attack apparently marked the first time Israel targeted a political leader of Hamas.